American Cancer Society: Relay for Life - A community event and a worldwide movement

April 15, 2011

HT - File photo

Each year, millions of people dedicated to eliminating cancer in our lifetime participate in a unique event that helps communities celebrate cancer survivorship, remember loved ones lost and fight back against a disease that takes too much.

That event is the American Cancer Society Relay For Life.

Much more than a walk around a track, Relay For Life helps local communities take action against a disease that will affect one in four families. It unites participants with others who have shared a similar experience, allowing them to find hope and healing.

“Relay For Life gives Otsego County a unique opportunity to contribute to the American Cancer Society’s mission of saving lives by helping people stay well, by helping them get well, by finding cures and by fighting back,” said Diane Jorgensen, American Cancer Society community representative. “Residents who give their time, energy and financial commitment to this exciting event are really standing up for our community and its pledge to fight back against cancer.”

Teams of co-workers, colleagues, family and more camp out overnight and take turns walking laps around a track. Participants celebrate the victory of local cancer survivors during the special survivors lap. At dusk, they have a chance to remember loved ones lost to the disease during the poignant luminaria ceremony. During the fight back ceremony, community members are encouraged to make a pledge to save one life from cancer.

Funds raised at Relay For Life events help provide access to up-to-date cancer information, day-to-day help and emotional support 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 800-227-2345. They help match local cancer patients with much-needed American Cancer Society resources such as rides to treatment and tips on coping with various aspects of cancer.

Relay For Life also supports the American Cancer Society’s efforts to educate people about cancer prevention and to ensure fighting cancer remains a top priority for local, state and federal legislators.

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Otsego County will take place from 10 a.m. to 10 a.m. June 4-5 at the Otsego County Fairgrounds in Gaylord. For more information or to learn how you can get involved, visit www.relayforlife.org/otsegocountymi or call 1-800-227-2345.